ALPA Protests FAA Cut to Weapons Training Funds

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) is fighting back against U.S. government cuts slated to slash funding for the Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) program, which trains pilots how to safely carry weapons aboard Part 121 aircraft.

“It is beyond belief that, at the same time the administration’s budget proposal [presented on April 10] recognizes the value of risk-based aviation security, it proposes to eliminate funding for this well established and extremely effective program,” said ALPA president Lee Moak in a statement last week.

“When the President proposed to cut FFDO funding in half for FY2013, Congress rightly rejected the misguided idea. ALPA urges in the strongest possible terms that Congress reject this budget proposal, and fully and appropriately fund the FFDO program so that passengers, crews and cargo shippers can benefit from its proven and clear contribution to securing air transportation.”